Community Corner

National Dog Bite Prevention Week of May 19-25

The third week in May is National Dog Bite Prevention Week, sponsored by the U.S. Postal Service.

 

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is the week of May 19-25.

Sponsored by the United States Postal Service, the campaign is designed to bring attention to "one of the nation's most commonly reported public health problems: dog attacks and bites."

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According to the USPS website, the majority of dog attack victims are children who are 900 times more likely to be bitten than letter carriers.

According to the site, 5,879 Postal Service employees were victimized by dogs last year. The USPS has put together a tool kit to promote awareness and reduce dog attacks and bites. 

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Never approaching an unfamiliar dog, especially one who's tied or confined behind a fence or in a car. Don't pet a dog—even your own—without letting him see and sniff you first. Don't disturb a dog while she's sleeping, eating, chewing on a toy, or caring for puppies. Be cautious around strange dogs. Always assume that a dog who doesn't know you may see you as an intruder or a threat.

How to Approach a Dog

Pay attention to the dog's body language. Be polite and respect the dog's personal space. Put a safe amount of space between yourself and a dog if you see the following signals, that the dog is uncomfortable and might feel the need to bite:

  • tensed body
  • stiff tail
  • pulled back head and/or ears
  • furrowed brow
  • eyes rolled so the whites are visible
  • yawning
  • flicking tongue
  • intense stare
  • backing away

When putting space between yourself and a dog who might bite, never turn your back on him dog and run away. A dog's natural instinct will be to chase and catch you.

What to Do if You Think a Dog Might Attack

If you are approached by a dog who may attack you, follow these steps:

  • Resist the impulse to scream and run away.
  • Remain motionless, hands at your sides, and avoid eye contact with the dog.
  • Once the dog loses interest in you, slowly back away until he is out of sight.
  • If the dog does attack, "feed" him your jacket, purse, bicycle, or anything that you can put between yourself and the dog.
  • If you fall or are knocked to the ground, curl into a ball with your hands over your ears and remain motionless. Try not to scream or roll around.

What to Do if You Get Bit by a Dog

If you are bitten or attacked by a dog, try not to panic.

  • Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and warm water.
  • Contact your physician for additional care and advice.
  • Report the bite to your local animal care and control agency. Tell the animal control official everything you know about the dog, including his owner's name and the address where he lives. If the dog is a stray, tell the animal control official what the dog looks like, where you saw him, whether you've seen him before, and in which direction he went.

Did you know, according to State Farm Insurance,

Top 10 States for State Farm Dog Bite Claims in 2012

# State Number of Claims Claims Paid (estimated) 1. California 451 $17.1 million 2. Illinois 337 $9.0 million 3. Texas 236 $4.3 million 4. Ohio 235 $5.0 million 5. Pennsylvania 165 $4.5 million 6. Michigan 151 $4.6 million 7. Indiana 148 $2.7 million 8. Florida 123 $7.1 million 9. Georgia 121 $3.3 million 10. New York 116 $6.4 million


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